Did
the University decide to sever its ties with Taco Bell, as requested
by a student group backing a national boycott?
Yes.
Last spring members
of the Progressive Student Alliance staged hunger strikes and
organized other efforts aimed at convincing the University not
to renew a sponsorship agreement with local Taco Bell restaurants.
The students were
supporting a national boycott called by a farm workers group that
charges that Taco Bell's tomato suppliers pay unfair wages to
migrant workers in Florida. The group wants the restaurant chain
to pressure its suppliers to pay a living wage.
Notre Dame's only
relationship with Taco Bell was a sponsorship arrangement for
sporting events. Last year local Taco Bell franchises paid $50,000
for ads in game programs and spots during coaches' radio shows,
among other promotions. The parties were considering a renewal
of the agreement valued at $75,000.
University officials
looked into the concerns raised by the student group and asked
Taco Bell officials for a clarification of company policies. The
University decided to terminate the sponsorship agreement because
it was not satisfied with the response, a Notre Dame spokesman
said. Ads from Taco Bell are still accepted in game programs.
* * *
October 2004
